And it is quite true! When I come back that night I was very sorry to see you not there.

But we will meet often now," she concluded pleasantly, "for I suppose, Madame, that you too intend to play ?" That was the second time she had asked the question.
"I shall play a little," said Sylvia, blushing, "but of course I do not want to get into the habit of gambling." "No, indeed, that would be terrible! And then there are not many who can afford to gamble and to lose their good money." She looked inquiringly at Sylvia.

"But, there," she sighed--her fat face became very grave--"it is extraordinary 'ow some people manage to get money--I mean those 'oo are determined to play!" And then, changing the subject, Madame Wachner suddenly began to tell her new acquaintance all about the tragic death by drowning of her and her husband's friend at Aix-les-Bains the year before.

She now spoke in French, but with a peculiar guttural accent.
"I never talk of it before Fritz," she said quickly, "but, of course, we both often think of it still.

Oh, it was a terrible thing! We were devoted to this young Russian friend of ours.